March 28, 2007 - Hillsdale College is pleased to announce today the hiring of John Tharp as the new head men's basketball coach. Tharp takes the place of Ed Douma, who retired earlier this month after a 32-year coaching career, including nine with the Chargers. Tharp, 37, spent 13 seasons as the head coach at Lawrence University, a Division III program in Wisconsin, where he compiled a career record of 204-108. Tharp was a four-time Midwest Conference coach of the year, and is that school's all-time leader in victories and winning percentage.